Bowness Breweries and Distilleries: The Local Spirits Trail You Haven't Discovered
While most visitors to Bowness-on-Windermere find themselves drawn to the postcard-perfect lakefront and charming tearooms along Quarry Rigg, there's a spirited secret waiting to be uncovered. Tucked away in converted Victorian buildings and purpose-built craft spaces, a collection of passionate brewers and distillers are creating liquid love letters to the Lake District's wild beauty.
Blackwell Brewery: Where Tradition Meets Innovation
Just a stone's throw from the famous Blackwell Arts and Crafts House, this family-run brewery has been quietly perfecting their craft since 2018. Housed in a converted stone barn that once served the grand estate, Blackwell Brewery specialises in small-batch ales that capture the essence of Cumbrian fell water and locally sourced hops.
Their signature 'Fell Walker's Rest' is a golden ale that goes down beautifully after a day scrambling up Orrest Head, while the seasonal 'Bracken Bitter' incorporates foraged herbs from the surrounding woodland. The brewery opens its doors for tours every Saturday at 2pm (£12 per person, includes three tastings), but booking ahead is essential as word is spreading fast among discerning locals.
Insider's Tip
Visit during their monthly 'Brewer's Table' evenings, where head brewer Sarah Wilson pairs five different ales with locally sourced cheeses from Hawkshead Relish Company. These intimate gatherings happen on the first Friday of each month and cost £28 per person.
Windermere Distillery: Gin with a View
Perched on the hillside above Rayrigg Road, Windermere Distillery occupies a beautifully converted Lakeland slate building with panoramic views across England's largest natural lake. This boutique operation focuses exclusively on small-batch gins, each one telling a different story of the surrounding landscape.
Their 'Brackenthwaite Botanical' features juniper berries foraged from the nearby fells, while the limited-edition 'Steamboat Gin' pays homage to the historic vessels that still ply Windermere's waters. The copper still, nicknamed 'Beatrix' after the region's most famous resident, produces just 200 bottles per batch.
Distillery tours run Wednesday through Sunday at 11am and 3pm (£18 per person), with each session limited to just eight people to maintain the intimate, behind-the-scenes feel. The tour concludes with a gin and tonic served on their outdoor terrace, where red squirrels often dart between the ancient oak trees.
The Ferry Inn Microbrewery: A Lakeside Secret
While The Ferry Inn on Ferry Nab has been welcoming travellers since 1870, few visitors realise that behind the traditional Cumbrian pub lies a state-of-the-art microbrewery. Established by landlord Tom Hartley in 2020, this tiny operation produces three core beers exclusively for the inn, plus seasonal specials that showcase local ingredients.
The 'Windermere Wheat' is brewed with water drawn from a natural spring that feeds directly into the lake, while their winter warmer 'Langdale Porter' incorporates honey from hives maintained on the slopes of nearby School Knott. You can peer through glass panels into the brewing area while enjoying a pint by the roaring fire.
Perfect Pairing
Try the Langdale Porter with The Ferry Inn's famous Cumberland sausage and mash. The beer's rich, malty sweetness perfectly complements the locally sourced pork and herbs.
Planning Your Spirits Trail
The beauty of Bowness's craft drinks scene lies in its walkability. Start at Windermere Distillery mid-morning when the light is perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots of the copper still against the lake backdrop. From there, it's a pleasant 15-minute stroll downhill to Blackwell Brewery via the woodland path that runs parallel to the A592.
Finish your afternoon at The Ferry Inn, where you can catch the chain ferry across to Far Sawrey if you fancy extending your adventure to Hill Top Farm. The entire trail covers roughly two miles of gentle walking, with plenty of opportunities to pause and admire the view.
When to Visit
Autumn presents the perfect window for this particular adventure. September through November sees fewer crowds but still offers reliable weather for outdoor tastings. The surrounding woodland blazes with colour, and there's something particularly satisfying about sampling a robust porter while watching the mists roll across Windermere.
Practical Details
Budget around £60 per person for the full experience, including tours and tastings. Most venues accept card payments, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases. Designated drivers will find that all three locations offer excellent non-alcoholic alternatives, from craft sodas to botanical waters infused with the same local ingredients.
Book tours in advance, especially during peak season and weekends. The intimate nature of these operations means capacity is limited, but that's precisely what makes discovering them feel so special.
